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SOUTH
AFRICA'S TOURISM INDUSTRY SET TO SCORE BIG TIME
WITH SUCCESSFUL BID FOR 2010 SOCCER WORLD
CUP "What
better news could our industry have asked for to
cement the successes we have achieved and are
indeed celebrating during this historic year as we
celebrate 10 Years of Freedom?" she added. "The
future of our growing industry could not have had a
better boost." Tourism
has been identified as one of the South Africa's
top five leading growth industries for its ability
to contribute towards the eradication of poverty,
and closing the gap between rich and poor through
the sharing of an expanding tourism cake. The huge
influx of international media and spectators that
will be drawn to South Africa for the 2010 event
&endash; as well as those visiting and scouting out
the country in the years running up to the World
Cup itself - will add significant momentum in
contributing to increased GDP growth and job
creation. An
ebullient Carolus added: "FIFA's decision is
indisputable proof that South Africa has now
received the ultimate stamp of approval for its
ability as a preferred, world-class global
destination to successfully host major events. The
country has shown without a shadow of a doubt that
it has the ability and maturity - in possessing the
sophisticated, world-class infrastructure and
technology and quality tourism products - to
facilitate and exceed beyond expectations in
hosting such an international gathering of diverse
cultures pursuing one single passion." Over
the past few years, the country has fast gained an
enviable reputation for hosting, without incident,
a number of high profile international events that
have attracted hundreds of thousands of people,
from Royalty and leading Heads of State to business
delegates and sports fans. This
reputation was substantially heightened by the
hosting in Johannesburg of the World Summit on
Sustainable Development &endash; one of the largest
UN events of its kind, and arguably one of the most
significant global gatherings of the 21st century.
This was followed by the 8th ICC Cricket World, the
largest and longest-ever competition in the history
of the event, held over a six-week period with
matches played in centres countrywide. The
country, with its wealth of diverse cultural
attractions, scenic beauty and wildlife, is now
recognised as one of the world's fastest growing
tourist destinations. "As
we proudly celebrate this momentous decision with
our SADC (Southern African Development Community)
neighbours, we are committed to delivering a
world-class tourism and hospitality experience
second to none to the thousands of people who will
be attracted to our beautiful shores for the
duration of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. At the same
time, however, we will work to ensure that the
economic benefits derived from tourism are also
spread throughout our region," stated
Carolus. To
learn about South African packages available from
TOPAC members visit
<http://www.topac.org/>www.topac.org, call
1-866-57-TOPAC or contact one of the TOPAC members
directly. TOPAC members include: Africa Experts by
Goway, G.A.P Adventures, Lion World Tours,
Reservations Africa, Tourcan Vacations, Travel
Studio, Trek Holidays and Wild Africa
Safaris. Contact:
Jeff Lanthier DBA
Communications 416.591.7783
ext 112 |
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1.
Golfing's
Big Four
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